Will Jacks Set to Join Mumbai Indians Ahead of IPL 2026 Clash

As the Mumbai Indians gear up for their IPL 2026 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kieron Pollard shares insights on the anticipated arrival of Will Jacks, the performance of Jasprit Bumrah, and celebrates Rohit Sharma's remarkable 15-year journey with the franchise. Pollard emphasizes the importance of every match and the team's readiness to secure crucial points. With a strong squad and a focus on performance, the Mumbai Indians are set to make their mark in the upcoming season.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 11, 2026, 23:29 IST

Will Jacks to Join Mumbai Indians Soon

Kieron Pollard, the batting coach for Mumbai Indians (MI), has expressed optimism regarding the imminent arrival of England all-rounder Will Jacks. This comes just before their upcoming match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

During a pre-match press briefing, Pollard mentioned that he was unaware of any specific fitness issues concerning Jacks. He emphasized that the team is well-prepared with a robust squad depth in his absence. "We expect Will Jacks to arrive shortly. As for fitness concerns, I have no information on that. Our team consists of over 20 members, and while he is currently unavailable, he will be here soon," Pollard stated. He also expressed confidence in Jacks' ability to make a significant impact upon his return, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball.

Pollard Supports World-Class Bowler Bumrah

Pollard also came to the defense of Jasprit Bumrah, who faced criticism following a lackluster performance against Rajasthan Royals. He pointed out the changing dynamics of T20 cricket, where maintaining an economical bowling rate is often more crucial than merely taking wickets. "In today's T20 cricket, focusing solely on wickets is not practical. If you observe the current games, power plays often yield over 100 runs. Sometimes, the best strategy is to defend. We are not overly concerned about Bumrah's wicketless spells; he is a world-class bowler who has consistently performed for India and Mumbai Indians. When the moment arises, he will take wickets, and if he remains economical, we will accept that as well," Pollard remarked.

Every Match Holds Importance

Discussing the upcoming match against RCB, Pollard highlighted that every game in the IPL is significant, with teams aiming to secure vital points rather than fixating on their opponents. "For me, every contest in the IPL is exciting. All matches are ones to look forward to because the primary goal is to earn two points. We focus on our performance rather than the opposition, aiming to play our best cricket and hoping for a favorable outcome," he added.

Celebrating Rohit Sharma's Legacy

Pollard also took a moment to commend Rohit Sharma, who recently marked 15 years with the franchise, describing it as a remarkable milestone in contemporary cricket. "Rohit Sharma has celebrated 15 years as a Mumbai Indian player, which is a significant achievement. Few can claim to have spent such a long time with one franchise. I am fortunate to say that I can. He has been an exceptional leader for us and for Indian cricket, earning his status as a legend. We are grateful to have him in our dressing room, and we hope to continue benefiting from his success," Pollard concluded.